I just can't do it!
I tried hunting out of a ground blind twice in my life, once for white tail deer and the other for turkey hunting. I disliked it both times.
When turkey hunting, I want to ability to be up and on the move. To adjust my setup when needed and out-think or out maneuver a bird to increase my opportunities.
Here are my other reasons I dislike hunting out of a blind. I am most certainly not claustrophobic, but I felt confined while sitting in that blind. I disliked the tunnel vision I had while looking out several small ports of view with so many blind spots. I felt like I was missing everything around me, waiting for that chance that something might come into view while peering out one of my viewing ports. I like to see everything around me from a distance, feel that slight breeze in my face and adjust when I hear or sense something sneaking up behind me. I just felt like I was missing out on so many opportunities while sitting in a blind.
How do others feel?
So you don't like hunting out of blinds? Cool, then don't.
Well if I have a choice I don't like hunting out of a blind ether but they can and do have a place. Like taking your wife and small child along to hunt with you, taking youngsters out for there first bird, hunting during bad weather or can keep you out of the sun or warmer on a freezing morning, blocks your movement bow hunting and I'm sure there's others, but........... this is all I can think of this early. :morning:
The first week of Ohio they are nice, it's often still nasty out and my 2 grown children and I have a blast. The latter weeks it's usually quite pleasant and I am by myself and prefer to hunt without one.
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Do what you want, how you want, live long and be happy. Nobody elses business.
I bowhunt deer and turkey from a blind.
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Yep. Sometimes, especially If it's raining and I want to keep dry.
Quote from: Turkeybutt on April 09, 2022, 07:02:34 AM
I want to ability to be up and on the move. To adjust my setup when needed and out-think or out maneuver a bird
There are different valid methods used to shoot a gobbler. Running and guning and continued repositioning is not my bag but it certainly works (Reaping and stalking is invalid in my world). This might have something to do with my age and experience but also my personality.
I never used a store bought blind but I have used camo netting and natural vegetation to create a partial shield. I set this up fairly quickly and it allows me to use any of the calls at my disposal which is so important to me. It also does allow me to reposition occasionally. It doesnt give you that boxed in feeling which I too hate.
"Out thinking" a gobbler is more a function of the calling game for me than moving. Turkey hunting is all about calling for me. It's what makes this bird so special. I always say if turkeys didn't respond to calling I wouldn't turkey hunt. So I don't see it as limiting my ability to out-think, outsmart, interact and ultimately enjoy this amazing game bird.
I don't like them (mostly for the reasons you list) so I don't hunt them. I don't like decoys either so I don't hunt them. I prefer it to be just me, a gun, and a call. If I had kids I'd probably hunt differently. If I hunted open fields I'd probably hunt differently. Lots of ways to kill birds. Do it however brings you the most joy.
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I enjoy sitting in a blind to deer hunt the edge of an AG field or in the rain or the intersection of roads.
Only time I have used them for turkeys is out in a field with the blind set by a pivot for those stubborn field turkeys.
They have their benefits, I put my Dad in one last year (75 years old and getting immobile) and set up behind him and called in a group of gobblers and he managed to kill 2 that morning. He can't get up or down too good nor walk very far, so me being able to drop him off at the blind and him set in a raised chair allowed him to kill birds again.
It irritates the fire out of me when people want to "outlaw" blinds or decoys and never take into consideration the needs of older folks with slight disabilities that still enjoy hunting and love to see and hear turkeys.
No.
And yes.
I put 2 or 3 blinds out each year. Two reasons...........
One.......... Kids. Some are better at sitting still than others. For the others....... we'll use a blind.
Two...... Crappy weather. I'll hunt in the rain, no problem. But not in a steady downpour. I figure that if the weather sucks.....and that's VERY OFTEN here..... I'd rather be sitting in a blind looking out the window watching it rain than sitting on the couch looking out the window watching it rain.
There is nothing better then hunting a gobbler with your back against a tree in the open air. That being said there is nothing worse then sitting out the rain in the truck or the couch during the season. Blinds can be useful, but not my first choice.
Quote from: Chief Razor on April 09, 2022, 10:49:13 AM
There is nothing better then hunting a gobbler with your back against a tree in the open air. That being said there is nothing worse then sitting out the rain in the truck or the couch during the season. Blinds can be useful, but not my first choice.
X2!!! :camohat:
Blinds have their place...
Great for kids, and bow-hunters... I do not like them, and they would be difficult to use in most of my hunting situations.
I have certainly used nature as a make-shift blind... Rocks, fallen trees, well-placed brush, etc... I will always choose a spot behind a fallen log or rock if possible, especially if I can lay my gun over that instead of my knee!
yes and no
Youth hunts only for me
When my kids were very small and wanted to go yes. Once they were able to sit still around 10 or so we hunted on a tree. Personally if you are a grown man and hunting birds on a clover field and killing birds on trail cam pics you could not call a turkey to range to save your life. Call the bird to with in 40 yards and bust his head
Before my last car accident no for turkey hunting and yes for deer hunting. Now I have no choice, I used them for both, wish I could get back against a tree though.
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on April 09, 2022, 09:23:30 AM
Yep. Sometimes, especially If it's raining and I want to keep dry.
X2 here, I will hunt in pouring rain, but out of a ground blind in an open area....all other times, I do not use a blind.
Quote from: Sixes on April 09, 2022, 10:25:25 AM
I enjoy sitting in a blind to deer hunt the edge of an AG field or in the rain or the intersection of roads.
Only time I have used them for turkeys is out in a field with the blind set by a pivot for those stubborn field turkeys.
They have their benefits, I put my Dad in one last year (75 years old and getting immobile) and set up behind him and called in a group of gobblers and he managed to kill 2 that morning. He can't get up or down too good nor walk very far, so me being able to drop him off at the blind and him set in a raised chair allowed him to kill birds again.
It irritates the fire out of me when people want to "outlaw" blinds or decoys and never take into consideration the needs of older folks with slight disabilities that still enjoy hunting and love to see and hear turkeys.
Yes, outstanding post. 100% agree. Good to get your dad back out there. Ill add kids who cannot sit still to that mix also.
Quote from: Fatbeard on April 10, 2022, 12:41:29 AM
When my kids were very small and wanted to go yes. Once they were able to sit still around 10 or so we hunted on a tree. Personally if you are a grown man and hunting birds on a clover field and killing birds on trail cam pics you could not call a turkey to range to save your life. Call the bird to with in 40 yards and bust his head
[/quote
Painting with a mighty big brush there, lol.
I just can't do it!
I tried hunting out of a ground blind twice in my life, once for white tail deer and the other for turkey hunting. I disliked it both times.
When turkey hunting, I want to ability to be up and on the move. To adjust my setup when needed and out-think or out maneuver a bird to increase my opportunities.
:z-twocents:
Can see that as an advantage, when a fella picks the wrong place to setup and call from or his calling abilities just ain't up to snuff that morning. The bird goes away from you and you get in front and outmaneuver to bushwhack him.
Blind or sitting against a tree prefer to call him to me, if nothing in the area , will move to go strike up one and then try to call him in though.
Quote from: Sixes on April 09, 2022, 10:25:25 AM
It irritates the fire out of me when people want to "outlaw" blinds or decoys and never take into consideration the needs of older folks with slight disabilities that still enjoy hunting and love to see and hear turkeys.
Couldn't agree more, those people are short slighted and selfish. I too have developed some mobility issues and those that put down blind use may one day be me or your father. Excellent of you to take care of your dad and show him love.
very rarely
As a turkey bowhunter my answer is yes and no, depending on situation, location and my desires. This year I am back to trying blindless but that often means making natural hides when I can; pretty easy in FL but a lot of work in open hardwoods like here in NY to really get concealed.
Only in extreme circumstances lol (hunting with kids in very poor weather).
I just bought my first blind last week. I'm 57 years old and been hunting since I was 12. For deer no, I'm a stand hunter. I do have a few stubborn field turkeys who like to be very visible on rainy days. Game on.
Blinds are like mosquito repellent...use it if you need it...or don't if not nessesary
The only blind I've used during turkey season is my buddy's permanent deer hut in order to get out of the rain. I do put up a pop-up about a month or so before the Illinois deer firearm season for the purpose of staying dry, if the need arises. During the majority of the season, I prefer to wear my rain gear since I provides much better vision of the surrounding area, allowing for opportunities that develop that require either right or left-handed shots.
When I was younger, no way! But now that I'm getting older (63) My answer is absolutely no way. I have always hoped my last day on earth would be spent with a tree against my back and shotgun across my lap. No way do I want it to be in an enclosed area with peep holes. I'm not one of those who want to see blinds and decoys banned. In fact I wish they were mandatory for everyone except myself. I love patient hunters who spend endless hours in a blind watching decoys. A lot of turkeys die using that method, it's just not for me.
Hate them with a passion. I feel like the suppress my senses.
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Quote from: Terry on April 10, 2022, 04:29:17 PM
Hate them with a passion. I feel like the suppress my senses.
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That's why you have the old saying "A blind blinds you."
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I have no issue with people using them but I just can't do it
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Just like anything else. Hunt how you enjoy it. I personally don't prefer blinds but I don't like peanut butter either.
No for me, need the freedom to move around.
they do have their advantages when the temps are in the single digits during whitetail gun season but I'm not a fan during gobbler season
Here's one good reason!
https://www.facebook.com/100009248373874/videos/1022480371982964
MK M GOBL
Best reason in the world!
Bad weather yes...otherwise I'll take run and gun.
I bowhunted turkeys from a blind for ten years staright, zero gun hunting. Boy did it teach me a lot, mainly patience, not wanting to move as much I regularly had birds showing up that I would have normally been long gone!
I only personally killed one bird from a blind with a gun, horrible weather, but have guided countless people from them, they are pure poison for those pesky field birds that strut out in the middle of a 500 acre field!
Do I like hunting from them? Sure is better than getting soaked or freezing to death in poor weather!
No, blinds are not for me. I want my back up against a tree and the ability to move quickly if I want to. Being inside a blind dulls my senses. It's hard enough for me to hear now without being in a blind.
Bought one 5 years ago. Still have not used it. A friend has a couple, one on each side of his field. I cannot enjoy them. On one hunt a big tom came out following hens he was fanned out. My friend rolled him it was a treat for me to witness that. They do work and the birds don`t seem to mind them.
No. I like to remain fully mobile!!
Yes for kids and inexperienced hunters, teach them as the experience level goes up. All my kids were in a blind first, then worked into being self sufficient enough to get out. All a preference, no wrong on this topic.
I have used a blind at times, but they are cumbersome, and slow me down.I want mobility as a priority.
I have hunted from them in the past. This was my first season with gun and I much prefer being out in the open and mobile if need be. It amazes me how Turkey are generally not alarmed by a blind, my experience with Whitetail has been the mature Deer jump out of their skin around here. I gained permission on private this season with a Bow only Stipulation so I'll be back in a blind for third season.
Turkey hunter always makes plans for weather conditions. Yesterday i was using a ground blind that i had set up before the season. The weather this year has been terrible for the most part in my area... So yesterday was light rain/ windy so i used the ground blind. Each his on.. if you don't want to use one then sit out in the rain... but at least i was pretty dry and still able to hunt...
I have never used an artificial blind,...and don't plan on ever doing so. Will that attitude change with advancing age and less mobility? Not sure,...we'll see,...but I honestly can't imagine that happening. Just not my bag, but others can have at it. Although it is rare around these parts, I occasionally see someone using a pop-up blind to hunt. I like that,...just means that I will not have to compete with that guy for that gobbling turkey that I am headed for. ;D
Having said that, I have been in conditions where the skeeters and other flying critters were so bad that I probably would have jumped into a blind in a heartbeat if one had been available. :)
They have there time and place, keep every tool in your tool kit. Never know when it might come in handy.
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I don't like carrying them around or sit still long enough to make it worthwhile for me, personally.
That said, I'm taking my 8 year old for his first turkey hunt this year and got a little fold-out camo covered thing where he can get away with some movement if/when they get in range.
They certainly have their place. I figure I've harvested around 25% of the turkeys I've taken from a blind of some sort.